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Lawsuit claims 7-Eleven, BP and Walmart using AI to manipulate California gas prices
By Scott Budman at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC)
· June 23, 2026
· 1 min read
Artificial intelligence is costing motorists in California more money at the gas pump, according to a new lawsuit.
The lawsuit claims companies in the state are using data collected by AI to manipulate gas prices. Companies mentioned in the lawsuit include Walmart, 7-Eleven, and BP
AI from ...
Key takeaway Companies mentioned in the lawsuit include Walmart, 7-Eleven, and BP AI from an England-based software company called Kalibrate tracks customer data from gas pumps to help companies keep up with each other’s prices, stifling competition.
Why this matters in The San Francisco
The lawsuit alleging that companies like Walmart, 7-Eleven, and BP are using AI to manipulate gas prices in California has significant implications for San Francisco residents. With the city's high cost of living, any artificial inflation of gas prices can have a substantial impact on commuters and low-income families who rely on their vehicles for daily transportation. The use of AI to track customer data and stifle competition can lead to a lack of affordable options for gas in the city, exacerbating the financial burden on residents. This lawsuit also raises questions about the role of city and state regulators in monitoring the use of AI in the oil and gas industry. As the case unfolds, San Francisco residents will be watching to see if the city's authorities will take steps to ensure that gas prices are fair and competitive, and that the use of AI does not harm consumers.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . The San Francisco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Artificial intelligence is costing motorists in California more money at the gas pump, according to a new lawsuit.
The lawsuit claims companies in the state are using data collected by AI to manipulate gas prices. Companies mentioned in the lawsuit include Walmart, 7-Eleven, and BP
AI from ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) and curated for The San Francisco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Scott Budman at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC). To learn more about how The San Francisco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Francisco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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